Are shutdowns and meltdowns voluntary? Or are they our body’s way of managing our brain?

Holly Bridges asserts that a shutdown or meltdown isn't willful, it's the nervous system that has learned a safety response to pain and fear.

Let’s get aware of the body's impact on thinking so our autistic graduates can navigate life better.

Here's my summary of Holly Bridge's theory and experience behind her Autism Refame Therapy.

As parents of autistic graduates, we can teach people with autism how to feel calm in their bodies so they connect better with all their systems including social engagement.

When we attune to which body-based calming activities help them get their nervous system centered, we can encourage them to practice those actions regularly. They'll feel better more often and may be able to negotiate life with more comfort.

Holly Bridges | Autism and the Polyvagal Theory: Building emotional and physical resilience through body awareness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WShQJa-xUZQ&t=20s

Holly Bridges | Autism Journeys August 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-2PrDy5UJA Holly Bridges | Potency of Dorsal State https://otter.ai/u/gorFNR-h1QiBcdUvCi2f4qpUrkA?utm_source=copy_url 

More resources at https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

Why is avoidance such a common way we deal with life? First, let's recognize that we all refuse help.

For example, it took me a year to complete the 24-hour urine test my doctor recommended because...well, it sounded so gross. I didn't want to do it. Now that I've done it, I've learned how to strengthen my body, in this case to keep my bones strong.

Recently, one of my graduates struggled getting and keeping a good job. So I found help, we got him set up, and then he stopped attending meetings.

Why does this happen and what can we do? Because, let's face it, in these situations we must focus on what WE can do. We know we can't change anyone else but us and change takes work.  

In this video I offer: 

1 What autistic people NEED (not want) that those of us who love them can help them create, 

2 Fifteen ways that I've found work to get through resistance, and 

3  Eight ways I know don't work.  

For links to more resources, go to https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

Here's my take on Dr. Megan Neff's Chapter, "Discover The Power of Self-Advocacy" from her new book SELF CARE FOR AUTISTIC PEOPLE available March 17, 2024. https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Autistic-People-Recharge-Stress/dp/1507221932/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705420281&sr=8-3

I'd love to help you and your family flourish. Here's your first step: get the Autistic Adulting Roadmap LIVE most Wednesdays at 11 am Eastern, 8 am Pacific. Sign up here for the Zoom Link and email reminders.

Dr. Megan Anna is a clinical psychologist specializing in the support and empowerment of neurodivergent adults through her expertise in neurodivergent affirming care and assessments. This episode is Dr. Neff reading the the chapter, "Discovering the Power of Self Advocacy” from her book, Self-Care for Autistic People, available March 19, 2024

I'd love to help you and your family flourish. I'm available most Wednesdays at 11 am Eastern, 8 am Pacific. Sign up here for the Zoom Link and email reminders.

Our anxiety alarm is sounding and we need immediate relief. We just need to get through this! What do we do?

Here are 12 ways to silence the alarm. They don't heal only help short term.

Still, we need lots of ways to press pause on our natural catastrophic thinking and feel the feelings in our bodies to ground ourselves in the present.

That's a tall order, so let's practice, practice, practice all 12 !!!

I'll answer your questions most Wednesdays at 11 am EST. Sign up for email reminders and the zoom link here: https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147722700

Here's the second video in a series that takes what I've learned from Dr. Kennedy and other teachers to suggest a path to heal anxiety for good.

I outline the 3 steps we practice to get relief from chronic alarms caused by anxiety.

Alarms hurt so we avoid them. We distract ourselves (often on screens) so we don't feel their pain.

Let's heal anxiety so we all can outsmart it for good and flourish.

Get my help outsmarting struggles LIVE Wednesdays at 11:00 Eastern. Sign up for the Zoom Link and email reminders here: https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147722700

In his book, Anxiety Rx, Dr. Russell Kennedy describes how he cured his anxiety in his 50s without pharmaceuticals or therapy, because those didn't work for him. He believes that, "to truly overcome anxiety, we must address both the mind and the body."

I've seen our autistic graduates experience chronic anxiety that gets in the way of outsmarting struggles and increasing independence. It seems that neither pharmaceuticals nor therapy gives them lasting relief. What can be done?

Here's the first video in a series that takes what I've learned from Dr. Kennedy and other teachers to suggest a path to heal anxiety for good.

Questions? I'm LIVE most Wednesdays at 11 am Eastern to answer yours. Sign up for the Zoom Link and email reminders here: https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147722700

When you are at odds with your autistic graduate, you're unhappy with what the time they spend on screens or they haven't kept their promise to do a chore, what do you do? Here's a constructive way to respectfully complain. To outline what went wrong and what right would look like. Here's how to move from disharmony, through repair and back to connection in a respectful way. There's a prologue, 5 steps and an epilogue.

• Download a one page summary here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HVL0Ip0cCn4M0Q0Qwnl9jc2HD0jQYz-0/view?usp=sharing
• Watch the video at YouTube here: https://youtu.be/sN3_KJGrax0

This episode was inspired by my teacher, Terry Real. Here's his version at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79bbVhkZpAg

How often do you get an automatic no? You've made a suggestion. You've offered an option. And the answer is no. Here's how to deal with it. It's the best solution I've ever found. It's from Susan Jeffers, whose book, "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" inspires me every day. It has sold more than 15 million copies. It's dynamite. Here's a 15-minute overview of her entire book and encourage you to read it yourself. You'll be inspired, and you will be empowered to help get past those automatic no's that we often experience with our autistic graduates who are trying to increase their independence, but are afraid. Do you have questions? I'll answer them live. https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147722700

I've noticed that I sometimes attack others when I'm stressed and in defense mode. I've seen others in my family do the same thing. What's going on?

We put others down to make ourselves feel better. One-up is the opposite of one-down. It's what we do when we're stressed and our self-esteem is fragile. When we act like a child.

Terry Real calls it grandiosity in his recent book, US: Getting Past You and Me to Build a Better Relationship. He argues that psychology has done a pretty good job helping us build up our self-esteem when we feel one-down. But it has ignored the other end of the continuum when we attack to feel one-up.

Here's a quick episode that not only explains why we one-up but also gives us a way to handle ourselves and our loved ones when we or they attack.

Join me LIVE here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

Young adults in the U.S. report twice the rates of anxiety and depression as teens. They report feeling on edge, lonely, directionless. They worry about financial security. Many are ‘achieving to achieve’ and find little meaning in either school or work. That's according to Harvard Graduate School of Education's study of seven hundred 18-25 year olds.

What they didn't study is how autistic graduates feel. I haven't found a study that does, but I did find this study that concludes that autistic people are 4x more likely to experience depression over the course of their lives. So, I believe it is safe to say that our graduates are depressed and anxious more often that their peers who aren't autistic.

Here's what we parents and grandparents can do to help. It's the roadmap we follow in The Art of Adulting

I'd love to share that roadmap with you. I'm LIVE every Wednesday at 1 pm Eastern. Get the Zoom link and email reminders here: https://www.lynncdavison.com/registration-page-384bc86a-9275-4ef9-b9d8-01e952967e88

We covered how to outsmart anxiety:

1.  3 characteristics of people with high anxiety
2. LISTENING is always the first step to help
3. 7 Essential Habits of Highly Adaptable Adults

I work with parents who seek me out to problem-solve with their autistic graduates through the tricky transition from school to work.

Parents tell me they feel frustrated, defeated and exhausted.

Their graduates feel anxious and overwhelmed, often escaping on screens where they find success even if it is virtual and they know they are avoiding getting things done.

The traditional behavior-consequence approach doesn't seem to work. Independence is taking longer than anyone would like. They struggle to find a good job and run their life.

In this video, I suggest we stop asking, "What's wrong?" and start with, "What's our struggle (both of us)?" and "What can we do to help?"

I borrow Dr. Becky Kennedy's wisdom outlined in her book, GOOD INSIDE, and suggest we start with the most generous interpretation of whatever we're seeing.

Then we connect our minds and bodies and outsmart the struggle together. That's how we increase independence and happiness in our families.

For links to more resources, go to https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

How do we decide what to do next? What happens when we procrastinate doing it? How do we stop walking on eggshells afraid we'll upset them?

I offered explanations and options in the second day of Flourish On Their Own.

Do you have questions about Day 2? Join me most Wednesdays at 11 am Eastern and I will answer them LIVE. Here's where you sign up for the Zoom link and email reminders: https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147722700

We'd love to see our autistic graduates flourish on their own. We'd like to flourish, too. Introducing the autistic adulting roadmap that turns into our life GPS taking us step-by-step into the life we want so everyone can flourish.

Here's the first part: identifying our strengths so we can re-craft our life to use them more each day.

The second part is when we get clear on what we will do next. That's the next episode.

In the third episode, I offer tools to manage the anxiety that comes up for all of us and especially those with an autistic brain.

Watch all three, then let's chat at my next live event: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

Here's a 10-minute summary of 12 ways to support our alternative learner's executive function from Seth Perler, founder of The Executive Function Online Summit (TEFOS). Seth is also an executive function coach who truly understands the challenges our kids face. Join me for a quick overview of practices that really help us support our autistic graduates.

Download the PDF Summary of Seth's 12 Great Ideas here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GNc_IjLQBQaL-fOu69G8_Bvu0vlO0KhW8tGY39OiQSk/edit?usp=sharing

I'd love to see you at my next LIVE event: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

Today's episode is all about the 7 pitfalls to avoid that undermine independence. I love talking about these mistakes because I've made them all. Thank goodness my graduates forgive me.

I'm ready to share my hard-earned wisdom as it might help you avoid making similar mistakes in the future.

Here are the seven biggest mistakes that could undermine your autistic graduate's quest for independence.

I guarantee that you'll walk away with at least one nugget of wisdome that you can apply today.

Susannah Cole holds a MEd in developmental psychology and has grown her expertise throughout the past 25 years working in the field of education. She has taught at all levels from preschool through college. For decades, she worked in educational settings as an early childhood educator, integrated middle school teacher, a specialized autism therapist, learning support teacher and college professor.

Her calling is to transform classrooms into spaces that center responsiveness, relevance and curiosity and where we can bring all of ourselves to our learning.

In my interview with Susannah, we cover how to apply her approach at home:

1. Metacognition. Believe and know we can get smarter.
2. Notice what isn’t working and try something different.
3. I CAN Message. Restrain helping to propel towards “I can…” persevere, innovate and be resilient.
4. Executive Function. Everything is figure-out-able.
5. Flexible Mindsets. Encourage curiosity through trial and error. Flexible Mindsets & Resilience.
6. Productive puzzling requires (1) trusting relationships, (2) challenge, (3) solutions within reach, (4) multiple strategies and (5) opportunities for reflection.
7. Flexible Mindsets and The Three C’s:
   1. Critical Thinking | Does it make sense?
   2. Complex Problem Solving | What else can we try?
   3. Creativity | What are the possibilities? Empower Our Graduates to Question + Solve + Imagine To build trusting relationships that strengthen capacities to ask questions, make mistakes and take risks for learning

Join my next LIVE event here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

Tom Welch is a psychologist and co-owner of a middle and high school dedicated to the growth of autistic and 2e students, Tom knows a lot about what works to help our young adults increase independence.

"Success both during and after high school requires the development of initiative, motivation, determination and resilience. The fundamentals of these skills will not develop within a vacuum. Instead, they must be taught to experiment, make mistakes, experience disappointment AND to rebound within the real-world.

This is also essential to the formation of a more mature sense of self that is distinct from others and critical for a successful push toward independence. It is why I call my students approaching graduation, “The Breakaways.”

In my interview with Tom, we cover:

1. Our job is to become their coach and practice coaching ourselves.
2. We must cultivate belief.
3. They may have lost their voice.
4. Without their buy-in no success exists.
5. We always have to be on the lookout for the signs of a system overload.
6. Cultivate the Zone of Maximum Adaptability.
7. Acceptance of what ‘is’ will open the door to change.
8. Expect resistance.
9. Finding the virtuous middle of encouraging, between enabling and ignoring is our challenge.

For a summary of Tom's 9 Great Ideas and an edited transcript of this video, CLICK HERE.

Sign up for my next LIVE event HERE.

Were you told that welfare makes people lazy? I was. It was part of the thinking that I was raised with. Today I've changed that thinking.

I used to be reluctant to apply for benefits for my kids. And I almost missed a window of opportunity to get them the support that they need to support their independence.

Now I believe that the welfare programs, the ones that were created by wise people before our time, really help our autistic graduates work. They provide the support they need to to live well, which increases the amount of energy they have available to invest in their job, which then makes them better, more productive workers.

The intention of these welfare benefits is to help compensate for the burdens of having a disability. It's a small way to level the playing field for our kids, to help them with their food, their health care and their home situation. And they help.

But I found it very difficult to find information about all the available US benefits in one place. So I interviewed James Traylor, brother of an alternative learner and Chartered Special Needs Consultant. And I hired him. Here's how to maximize the government benefits that support our autistic graduates' independence.

CLICK HERE for a PDF including a summary, the transcript of our talk and another video James recorded. I added headings so you can find what you're looking for easily.

1. What parents need to know about Executive Function

2. What change actually looks like versus what parents expect it to be

3. How to get buy-in even when your child is resistant

4. Why parents must tolerate chaos to achieve transformation

5. How to confidently navigate through obstacles that keep most parents stuck

6. How to know you're on the right track even if things seem to be getting worse

Join me at my next LIVE Masterclass: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

After all these years loving my autistic graduates, I found it so helpful to read a book by someone who gets it.

Not only does Barbara get it, she also explains what's happening so well. Her words just ring true. Her explanations make sense. Her suggestions are doable. She's helped autistic people and their families for over 30 years.

She says, "Information can be calming. It is the uncertainty and the unknown that is the most unsettling for all of us." She published "Seeing Autism" and this podcast is all about her book.

Click on this link to make a copy of my Coach's Notes with her 17 GREAT Ideas: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1havajf87qbqfuXAE9ypUHh-2pCIVutjO/Copy

Dr. Sharon Saline is a tireless advocate for alternative learners. Her education and experience as a psychologist and mom gives her insights that are spot on. Here are her 12 GREAT Ideas outlining how we encourage them to get things done.

Click HERE for a PDF Summary of these 12 GREAT Ideas.

The problem with parents is that we think we know best. To be fair, we often do. For sure we know we have our graduates' best interests at heart because we love them.  

Unfortunately, graduates often avoid listening to parents. They believe they've heard it already, or that their parents just don't understand them well enough to offer good options, or that they are just criticizing. To be fair, parents do tend to suggest, advise and criticize.  

Many of us struggle with the listening to each other. 

- We worry that listening to what seems like an overreaction is indulgent. 

- We might feel strange reflecting something that makes absolutely no sense to us. 

- We wonder if we could actually reinforce the inflexible response when we listen.  

But listening isn't about agreeing — it's about acknowledging others' emotions and experience -- and that they matter.   

It's letting them know that it's okay for them to feel what they feel so they can, over time, figure out how to tackle the challenge in a way that *works best for them.*  

Reflective listening is the NUMBER ONE skill to practice to best understand our graduates and ourselves.  

Here's how to practice it.  

For links to my resources go to https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

Emily Kircher-Morris says the number one skill to encourage out autistic high school graduates to practice is self advocacy. She's a mental health counselor and author of two books including Raising Twice Exceptional Children: Handbook for Parents of Neurodivergent Gifted Kids. And a podcast host of the Neurodiversity Podcast.

Here are her 12 Great ideas to help us encourage self advocacy.

#1 When we teach how to advocate for accommodations, our young adults are more likely to do it. And so we need to give them a formula. More about that in just a minute. But once they practice that formula over and over again, they're going to be able to do it so much better when they're more on the spot and a little less anxious to be assertive.

#2 What we want to do, and here's the formula, is we want to name our strengths and our struggles plus what helps.

So here's an example. "Part of my brain is quite anxious. And I find that that helps me notice a lot of things that other people overlook. It also can cause paralysis when I'm faced with a task that I've never faced before.

So what really helps me is a heads-up on anything new or novel at work so that I can be more comfortable addressing that challenge.

We started with the strength. We moved on to what the struggle can be and what helps.

Notice that I didn't reveal any diagnosis. I'm not even sure that those are useful in most situations. I mean, diagnoses are very helpful when we're dealing with the healthcare system, and it can also be a shortcut for explaining what's going on if we don't have a lot of time. But overall, I think it's much better if we describe what's happening and what can help so that we're both better informed about what it is that needs to be accommodated.

For the rest of Emily's GREAT IDEAS, listen to the podcast.

For a PDF summary of these ideas, click here.

Dr. Stephen Porges believes that our reaction to our bodily sensations that inform the way our nervous system responds. He argues that the words "stress" and "anxiety" are disrespectful to our nervous system. We're not honoring what our body is trying to tell us when we name it those things.

We’re in a psychological state of threat and defense. Our body is broadcasting to our conscious brain. We try to control our body through language. Our body is saying, “I’m disrupted and destabilized.” It’s not supporting health, growth and restoration.

Here's a summary of his presentation at The Trauma Super Conference where he offered the best way to cure our nervous system that it is safe AND respects triggers.

Bottom line? As long as we're moving, we can't shut down. When we're safe we can access all our system to solve our problems and reset our threat threshold.

At this year's TEFOS (The Executive Function Online Conference), Dana Abraham presented, "Navigating Adulthood." She's the author of both the "Calm The Chaos" compassionate framework and recent book. She's also and the parent, with her with her husband, Jason of two neurodiverse sons.

She's amazing. I'm one of over 200,000 parents who have taken her online class where she clearly outlines for parents of school aged children, how to make things work better inside their family. Now that their oldest has graduated from high school, she's really honing in on what adult autistic adults need to be successful in the real world. Here's a quick summary of her interview with Seth Perler, Founder of TEFOS.

It's tough to transition from schooling to adulting. Both big and little transitions are uncomfortable. I often want to escape them by eating, screening, or daydreaming. Here are the aspects of transitioning that apply to both of us and how to minimize the discomfort, handle the stress, so that we stay on track building the life we want.

Here's the link to Jody Moore's podcast episode on Transitions: https://jodymoore.com/ep-176-transitions/

Professor Shelly Gable from UC Santa Barbara did research on what predicts a strong relationship. She studied those that last, where the ties are strong. She found that when our loved ones share a victory, a triumph and other good things, how we respond either builds or undermines our relationship. An active constructive response builds connection and enhances well being for both of us.

https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

When we see our autistic graduates suffer, we know that compassion is the key to help them. Here's a 7:00 podcast outlining the 5 Levels of Compassion To Face Struggles Together, build their independence skills so they will flourish on their own.

At the 2023 TEFOS, Dr. Sharon Saline presented, "Connected Independence for Emerging Adults 17 - 30" outlining our role "Operating Base Camp" so they will flourish on their own.

Dr. Sharon Saline presented "at TEFOS. Here's a 5:15 video outlining our role "Operating Base Camp" so they will flourish on their own.

Questions? I believe my weekly Mini-MasterClass would help you, every Wednesday at 11 am EST. Sign up for the link here: https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147722700

Want more from Dr. Saline? Get her 12 GREAT Ideas About Getting Stuff Done: How to improve executive functioning skills through collaboration and harnessing GRIT PLUS Help for Moms of Alternative Learners: https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147584528

Come to my next LIVE MasterClass: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

The three aspects of life none of us can avoid are pain, fear and work. We struggle with all three to build the life we want. Here are the 7 Essential Adulting Habits That Increase Independence and help us outsmart our struggles.

When we practice these habits each day of the week we can build the life we want. Helping our autistic graduate practice each one helps them flourish on their own.

Here's where you can find more resources from me: 

3: Deal With Fear - We feel fear and act anyway. They describe the vibrations their thoughts tell their body to create. - We choose the thoughts that produce emotions that inspire our actions. They share their thoughts and choose ones that work best for them, as adults. - We partner to create collaborative solutions with them. They take action, paying attention to how they respond to 'mis-takes. ' We grow expansive self-direction when we outsmart struggles together.

2: Structure Time Wisely - We picture our future self and imagine how they think, feel and act. They imagine their dream life. - We create routines that cue actions today that our future self would take. They figure out what works and doesn't work for them. - We decide in advance what our evening, morning and daytime routines contain. They notice they make progress when they practice habits they design. We build structural self-direction by deciding what we will do each day.

I was appalled and dismayed when I read a recent study last week. It found that Autistic people 0 to 24 are 2x more likely to die that those without autism. The risk for mortality was even higher among autistic girls/women.

A total of 857,994 individuals were included for analysis, 11,919 (1.4%) of whom were diagnosed with ASD. The ASD cohort had a higher proportion of boys/men (78.4%) relative to the control cohort (50.9%).

Why is this tragedy happening? How do we beat the odds?

In this week's podcast, I summarize the situation and share 11 recommendations we can try.

Here are the links to the resources mentioned:

Increased Risk of All-Cause Mortality Among Children, Young People with Autism: https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/hom...

Alex Howard's Replay Videos of his 5-Day Decode Your Nervous System Program: https://www.decodeyournervoussystem.c...

Autism Life Expectancy: https://www.songbirdcare.com/articles....

More here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

1 Make Adult Decisions - We encourage, warn and collaborate to create trust. They notice the thoughts, emotions and actions that create their results. - We validate their emotions and thoughts. They practice accepting their NOW mindset. - We question our beliefs driving our responses. They decondition triggers and create their NEXT mindset. We use these tools to cultivate responsive self-direction.

There's no doubt that we find happiness in the present. Even when we let our mind wander to happy topics, we are not as happy as we are when we are engaged in what we are doing, found Harvard Researchers.

When we're not present, we aren't happy. Here I offer 4 ways to get focused on what we do.

1. One starts the night before,
2. one we can do all day,
3. one describes how we relate, and
4. the final sets the stage for better sleep, helping us focus the next day.

More here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

Music composed by Carly.

We chip away at our challenges every day of the week using the 7 Adulting Habits, and then start again on Sunday.

The struggles we face preparing our autistic graduates for life on their own seem to have no ending. They dig in their heels. We get discouraged. They argue and avoid doing anything. We give up, and then realize we can't.

These 7 habits help us understand the challenge, connect our brain with our body, and figure out what to practice together. We start on Sunday and then begin again the next Sunday. We keep leveling up our skills to outsmart the struggles together.

More here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

I dedicate this video to all of us who wish we had done better.

We can transform regret into a valuable learning experience. When we practice self-compassion, reframing regret as an opportunity for growth, and connect with others to extract lessons from past experiences we grow.

Drawing on the wisdom of Daniel Pink's THE POWER OF REGRET, I identify four types of regrets and encourage us all to reframe them with self-compassion to move forward.

Let's embracing regret as a tool to level up our life skills.

More here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

It feels like we both 'fell off the cliff' when our autistic graduates graduated.

It is now up to us to guide them and gather the supports they need to transition from school-defined to self-defined lives. Resources supporting their independence are scattered and take time to access.

And what about us? We sure could use support.

Where is the path?

It's The Art of Adulting Roadmap. I introduced it at my last LIVE Workshop. This is the replay video.

- Here is the edited transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mGL7zvN5pSrHcWYSzOHv9xlgJrHGROQyvljiqnlgBgg/edit?usp=sharing

- Here is the workbook: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bKrGtUAR3yNTUJ1qyqeeenh7ykKRgpPSKlrkK4VjujM/edit?usp=sharing

My roadmap condenses what I've learned parenting 6 alternative learners, several autistic, and growing up loving a family full of autists. I've used it myself, taught it to my autistic graduates and teach it LIVE inside my Art of Adulting Practice every week.

More here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison

Here's how I get done what matters most to me. It's also how I encourage my graduates to do the work to build the life they want.

I use the 3-2-1 Power UP! Tool daily. It energizes me. It's the #2 tool (#1 is STEAR Mapping) that electrifies my energy so I do my work.

When we do it every day, we create satisfaction and pride . Then we can speak from experience when describing its powerful influence to our graduate.

Here's the tool to encourage our autistic graduates to heal anxiety, escape less on screens and get done what matters.

Take the next step: get the Autistic Adulting Roadmap LIVE Wednesday at 11 am Eastern, 8 am Pacific. Sign up here for the Zoom Link and email reminders: https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147722700

Join Lynn in a powerful, honest conversation with Haley Moss, bestselling author, keynote speaker, advocate, artist, consultant, and the first openly autistic lawyer in Florida. She is one of the most influential voices in autistic self-advocacy today.

Together, they dive deep into what autistic adulthood really looks like, challenging outdated ideas about independence and success. This conversation explores burnout, self-advocacy, interdependence, and the courage it takes to build a life on your own terms—without shame or unrealistic expectations.

From redefining independence to embracing autistic joy, rest, and community, this episode offers clarity, validation, and practical wisdom for autistic adults, families, educators, and allies alike.

You can watch the full video interview here.

In this episode, Lynn Davison discusses the unique challenges of supporting autistic young adults in their 20s and 30s, particularly in the context of the overwhelming choices and distractions created by modern technology. Drawing from her experience raising six neurodivergent adults,

Lynn emphasizes the importance of forming a collaborative support team and understanding both the parents' and graduates' systems.

She introduces three key habits for success: understanding the brain, body, and mind; connecting with strengths and reality; and experimenting to build confidence.

Lynn also touches on creating a solid financial foundation, including understanding government benefits, to ensure long-term support for autistic graduates.

Key Takeaways:

• The impact of technology on autistic young adults and the challenges it creates.
• Forming a collaborative team for support and success.
• 1 The importance of understanding the brain, body, and mind to create effective strategies.
• 2 How to connect with the strengths and reality of neurodivergent individuals.
• 3 Experimenting to build confidence and resilience.

Join Lynn in a powerful conversation with Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and leading advocate for late-diagnosed, high-masking autistic adults. Together, they dive deep into what it really takes to understand hidden autism, unmask safely, reclaim identity, and build a life rooted in authenticity and acceptance — especially for autistic women, girls, and adults who have gone unseen for far too long.

You can watch the video interview here.

Join Lynn in a powerful conversation with Dr. Francis Tabone, educator, author, and lifelong advocate for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Together, they dive deep into what it really takes to build independence, dignity, and purpose after high school — and how parents, educators, and communities can better support this journey. 

You can watch the video interview here.

In this inspiring episode, Lynn Davison of Art of Adulting talks with Silvia Gil, founder of NeuroConsulting Solutions, about practical ways to design inclusive workplaces and empower neurodiverse individuals.

Listen now and discover how strength-based strategies, visual systems, and universal design can unlock potential and create environments where everyone thrives.

You can watch the video interview here.

In this powerful interview, Lynn sits down with Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech, a world-class QA testing company breaking barriers and transforming the future of autism employment. Discover how Aspiritech is building truly inclusive workplaces, offering FREE job training programs (QA testing, cybersecurity, and more), and helping autistic and neurodivergent adults gain confidence, independence, and purpose. Listen now and learn how Aspiritech is creating jobs, hope, and a brighter future for neurodivergent adults everywhere.

Here’s a summary of my “Understanding Autism PTx” presentation:

Purpose & My Background

• Delivered for Autism Awareness Month by me, a neurodivergent coach with lived experience raising six neurodiverse children.

• The session is aimed at improving understanding, inclusion, and support for autistic individuals.

Key Concepts

1. What is Autism?

• A neurological developmental condition—not a defect, but a difference.

• Autism exists on a color wheel, not a linear spectrum, highlighting infinite variation.

• Neurodiversity is natural and as vital as biodiversity.

2. Origins & Brain Science

• Structural and gene expression differences in the brain are often present from utero.

• Differences are not “less than,” just different ways of perceiving and interacting with the world.

Core Autistic Traits: ESP Framework

E - Executive Functioning Strengths • Deep focus, detail-oriented thinking, strong routines, logical analysis, and honesty. Challenges: • Difficulty initiating tasks, time management, emotional regulation, and flexibility. Strategies: • Use visual schedules, reminders, and structured routines.

S - Sensory Processing Strengths: • Heightened perception, sensory joy, unique emotional ties to stimuli. Challenges: • Sensory overload, avoidance, filtering difficulties, interoception issues, dyspraxia. Strategies: • Create sensory-friendly environments with control over light, sound, and textures.

P - People Skills Strengths: • Honest communication, deep listening, loyalty, and inclusive attitudes. Challenges: • Misreading social cues, discomfort with small talk, processing delays, masking. Strategies: • Build trust through deep, meaningful conversations and non-verbal bonding.

Communication & Inclusion Tips

• Listen: Make space for different communication styles.

• Validate: Acknowledge feelings and experiences without judgment.

• Ask: Don’t assume—ask what’s helpful.

• Offer Support: Gently and respectfully, not forcefully.

Connection Styles Autistic connection may include: • Info-dumping on special interests, • Parallel play, • Blunt honesty, • Scripting (repeating familiar phrases), • Support through action.

Resources Mentioned

1 The Pattern Seekers by Simon Baron-Cohen

2 The Autistic Burnout Workbook by Dr. Megan Anna Neff – helps manage burnout through personalized strategies.

3 Self-Care for Autistic People by Dr. Megan Anna Neff – promotes unmasking, community connection, and neurodivergent health practices.

4 Seeing Autism by Barbara Avila – focuses on creating authentic engagement and supportive environments. Takeaway Message Autism is a different—not deficient—way of being.

When we shift from awareness to acceptance to appreciation, we build a world that works better for everyone. Support should always be led by the autistic individual’s preferences and needs.

I offer 11 Mentor Methods to support parents of autistic young adults transitioning from school to earning money and running their life. I share my personal experiences and those of the members of The Art of Adulting. including 12 actionable tools to address common challenges: setting clear goals, building self-advocacy skills, and fostering resilience.

Key points include:

• The importance of structure and mentorship for autistic young adults post-graduation.
• Techniques for managing stress, improving listening skills, and encouraging action.
• Practical tools like the “3-2-1 Power Up” and “Life GPS” to help set and achieve goals.
• A focus on balancing firm expectations with warm support to address procrastination and catastrophizing with compassion.

The Mentor Mindset emphasizes collaboration between parents and their young adults, self-reflection, and long-term resilience for building the life we want together.

In this short podcast, I emphasize the crucial role parents play in shaping the next generation of leaders. I highlight the importance of fostering empathy, critical thinking, and kindness in children to prepare them for leadership roles in the future.

0:02 Hi there. In these moments when the news and social media get loud, and when things feel uncertain, let's remember this important truth.

0:12 What we're doing in our home matters. We are preparing the next generation of leaders. Our kids will be the ones making decisions, leading the way, shaping our culture.

0:29 We golden opportunity to raise a generation of people who see the good inside each other, who are self-reflective, who do their best to understand different perspectives, who believe that multiple truths can exist at the same time.

0:49 I am so hopeful for the next generation. Why? Because you are their leader. You are their parent. They have a story strong leader who sees the good inside them, who models what it means to be empathetic and compassionate, who fosters an environment of open, safe communication, who encourages them to

1:14 think critically and embrace their individuality, who teaches them the value of kindness and respect. So when the news gets loud, remember that we can't control everything that happens outside our doors, but we can control ourselves, and that's how we best influence each other.

1:42 We can cultivate kindness and understanding within our home. We are preparing the leaders who will define the future of our country and our world.

1:55 Let's do it together. Thank you for being you and for being here. Bye for now.